Shoppers carry Kohl's bags in Chicago.
Christopher Dilts | Bloomberg | Getty Images
The Retail ETF (XRT) ticked up 2.65 percent Thursday, with Kohl's leading the group after the department store released its earnings report.
Kohl's shares soared 11.53 percent on Thursday after the company posted earnings of 80 cents a share, easily topping expectations for 70 cents a share, according to Thomson Reuters estimates. Revenue met Wall Street forecasts.
Dillard's, Ascena, and Sears also contributed to the ETF's gains.
Michael Kors and Nordstrom were posted their third-quarter earnings Thursday after the close, with JC Penney releasing its earnings on Friday.